SARA Names New Executive Director

The Board of Directors for the Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA) announced today that they have chosen Renee Branson, MA, CReC, as the new Executive Director of the agency.

Ms. Branson has been part of the Charlottesville non-profit community for years, having served as a Program Director at ReadyKids and as Associate Development Director at the Miller Center Foundation. She is a Certified Resilience Coach (CReC) with a BS in Education and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. She has been SARA’s interim director since August 2020.

“We are excited that Renee has agreed to serve as our new Executive Director,” said Melinda Baumann, SARA Board President. “Out of more than 60 local and out-of-state applicants, her qualifications and passion for SARA’s mission stood out. Under her leadership, we’re confident SARA will continue to grow its mission and programs to support all people in Charlottesville and the surrounding communities.”

SARA has served the greater Charlottesville community for over 40 years. Services include therapy for sexual assault survivors and their families, 24/7 emergency room accompaniment and hotline, Green Dot bystander intervention training, and prevention education with local schools, churches, and businesses. SARA’s vision is a community free from sexual violence.

The agency has continued to offer these services throughout the pandemic. SARA’s 24-Hour Hotline is 434-977-7273.